B1 · Intermediate Chapter 47

Infinitive Constructions: um...zu, ohne...zu, statt...zu

4 Total Rules
43 examples
7 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of linking actions and intentions efficiently using German infinitive clauses.

  • Distinguish between dependent clauses and infinitive phrases.
  • Express your intentions and motives using precise German grammar.
  • Connect actions seamlessly by describing how or why you perform them.
Simplify your sentences, amplify your expression.

What You'll Learn

Express purpose, absence, and alternatives using German infinitive constructions.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Differentiate between 'damit' (subject change) and 'um...zu' (same subject).
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Construct complex sentences using 'statt...zu' and 'ohne...zu' to describe alternative or missing actions.

Chapter Guide

Overview

This chapter introduces essential German infinitive constructions that will significantly enhance your ability to express complex ideas with greater precision and fluency. Mastering "um...zu," "ohne...zu," and "statt...zu" allows you to clearly articulate purpose, absence, and alternatives in your sentences. These structures are crucial for moving beyond basic sentence formation and understanding the nuances of German communication, a key step at the B1 level.
You will learn to express "in order to" or "so that" using "um...zu" and understand its distinction from "damit," which serves a similar purpose when the subjects of the clauses are different. Furthermore, you will gain the skill to describe actions performed "without doing something" using "ohne...zu" and to present alternatives with "instead of doing something" using "statt...zu." By the end of this chapter, you will be able to integrate these elegant and practical grammatical tools seamlessly into your German conversations and writing.

How This Grammar Works

These infinitive constructions are subordinate clauses that typically follow a main clause, providing additional information about the action described in the main clause. They always end with the infinitive form of the verb, preceded by "zu."
Expressing Purpose: 'In order to' (um...zu)
You use "um...zu" when the subject of the main clause is the same as the implied subject of the infinitive clause. It answers the question "Wozu?" (What for?) or "Warum?" (Why?).

Structure: ..., um + (optional: object/adverb) + zu + Infinitiv.

* Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Deutschland zu studieren. (I'm learning German in order to study in Germany.)
* Du gehst ins Fitnessstudio, um fit zu bleiben. (You go to the gym in order to stay fit.)
* Wir sparen Geld, um eine Reise zu machen. (We're saving money in order to take a trip.)
Expressing Purpose: 'So that / in order to' (damit vs. um...zu)
While "um...zu" is used when the subjects are the same, "damit" is used when the subject of the purpose clause is *different* from the subject of the main clause. "damit" introduces a regular subordinate clause, so the conjugated verb goes to the end.

Structure: ..., damit + Subjekt + andere Satzteile + konjugiertes Verb.

* Ich erkläre dir das, damit du es verstehst. (I'm explaining this to you so that you understand it.) – *Here, "ich" explains, but "du" understands.*
* Der Lehrer spricht langsam, damit die Schüler alles notieren können. (The teacher speaks slowly so that the students can note everything.)
Doing things without... (ohne...zu)
This construction expresses that an action is performed without another accompanying action.

Structure: ..., ohne + (optional: object/adverb) + zu + Infinitiv.

* Du gehst, ohne dich zu verabschieden. (You leave without saying goodbye.)
* Sie hat den Kaffee getrunken, ohne Zucker hinzuzufügen. (She drank the coffee without adding sugar.)
* Wir haben den Film gesehen, ohne das Ende zu verraten. (We watched the movie without revealing the end.)
Instead of doing something (statt...zu)
This construction indicates an alternative or a contrary action. It shows what is done instead of something else.

Structure: ..., statt + (optional: object/adverb) + zu + Infinitiv.

* Du bleibst zu Hause, statt mit uns ins Kino zu gehen. (You're staying home instead of going to the cinema with us.)
* Er liest ein Buch, statt fernzusehen. (He's reading a book instead of watching TV.)
* Sie kocht, statt Essen zu bestellen. (She's cooking instead of ordering food.)
Important Note on 'zu':
The 'zu' particle always precedes the infinitive verb. If the verb is separable (e.g., *einkaufen*), 'zu' is placed between the prefix and the stem: *einzukaufen*.
* Ich fahre zum Supermarkt, um Lebensmittel einzukaufen. (I'm driving to the supermarket in order to buy groceries.)

Common Mistakes

✗ Wir lernen Deutsch, damit in Deutschland zu studieren.
✓ Wir lernen Deutsch, um in Deutschland zu studieren.
Why: The subject is the same ("wir" / "we"), so "um...zu" is required, not "damit."
✗ Du gehst, ohne zu dich verabschieden.
✓ Du gehst, ohne dich zu verabschieden.
Why: The pronoun/object "dich" comes before "zu" in these constructions.
✗ Er liest ein Buch, statt fern zu sehen.
✓ Er liest ein Buch, statt fernzusehen.
Why: For separable verbs, 'zu' is placed between the prefix and the verb stem (fern-sehen becomes fern-zu-sehen).
✗ Ich bin gekommen, um du zu helfen.
✓ Ich bin gekommen, um dir zu helfen.
Why: The object of the infinitive clause ("dir") must be in the correct case (dative in this instance).

Real Conversations

A

A

Ich muss nach Berlin fahren, um meine Familie zu besuchen.
B

B

Möchtest du mit dem Zug fahren, statt das Auto zu nehmen? Das ist oft entspannter.
A

A

Ja, gute Idee! Ich sollte auch Tickets online kaufen, um Geld zu sparen.

Translation:

A

A

I have to go to Berlin to visit my family.
B

B

Do you want to go by train instead of taking the car? That's often more relaxed.
A

A

Yes, good idea! I should also buy tickets online in order to save money.
A

A

Warum machst du die Hausaufgaben, ohne die Anleitung zu lesen?
B

B

Oh, ich dachte, ich wüsste schon alles. Aber du hast recht, ich sollte die Anleitung lesen, um keine Fehler zu machen.
A

A

Genau! Es ist besser, sicherzugehen, statt später alles korrigieren zu müssen.

Translation:

A

A

Why are you doing the homework without reading the instructions?
B

B

Oh, I thought I already knew everything. But you're right, I should read the instructions in order not to make any mistakes.
A

A

Exactly! It's better to be sure instead of having to correct everything later.

Quick FAQ

Q

When should I use "um...zu" versus "damit"?

Use "um...zu" when the subject performing the action in the main clause is the *same* as the subject performing the action in the infinitive clause. Use "damit" when the subjects are *different*.

Q

Can these "zu" constructions be used with modal verbs?

No, not directly. The infinitive verb in "um...zu", "ohne...zu", or "statt...zu" is the main verb of the subordinate clause. If you need a modal verb, it usually changes the main clause's structure, or you might need a different construction (e.g., using "damit" with a modal verb). For example, you wouldn't say "um gehen zu können," but rather "um gehen zu können" (correct, the modal "können" is the infinitive here) or if the subject changes "damit du gehen kannst".

Q

Where does "nicht" go in these infinitive constructions?

"Nicht" typically precedes "zu" in these constructions. For example: "Ich gehe nicht ins Kino, um nicht zu spät zu kommen." (I'm not going to the cinema in order not to be too late.) Or "Sie fährt Fahrrad, ohne einen Helm zu tragen." (She rides a bike without wearing a helmet.)

Q

Are these constructions always at the end of a sentence?

They are always at the end of the clause they belong to. They usually follow the main clause as a subordinate clause. For example: "Ich lerne, um besser zu werden."

Cultural Context

The precision offered by infinitive constructions like "um...zu," "ohne...zu," and "statt...zu" reflects a broader characteristic often associated with the German language: its emphasis on clarity and explicitness. While other languages might rely on simpler conjunctions or context, German often provides distinct grammatical tools to express exact relationships between actions and intentions.
This grammatical feature allows speakers to convey their purposes, omissions, and alternatives without ambiguity, a trait often valued in German communication, whether in everyday conversation or more formal settings. Mastering these structures not only improves your grammatical accuracy but also helps you sound more natural and sophisticated to native speakers, allowing you to articulate your thoughts with the same directness and detail they expect and appreciate. They are elegant shortcuts that make complex sentences more concise and understandable.

Key Examples (8)

1

Ich lerne Deutsch, um in Berlin zu arbeiten.

I am learning German to work in Berlin.

Expressing Purpose: so that / in order to (damit vs. um...zu)
2

Ich schicke dir den Link, damit du das Video sehen kannst.

I'm sending you the link so that you can see the video.

Expressing Purpose: so that / in order to (damit vs. um...zu)
3

Ich schaue eine Serie, statt zu schlafen.

I'm watching a series instead of sleeping.

Instead of doing something (statt...zu)
4

Wir bestellen Pizza, anstatt zu kochen.

We are ordering pizza instead of cooking.

Instead of doing something (statt...zu)
5

Er geht aus dem Haus, ohne den Schlüssel mitzunehmen.

He leaves the house without taking the key.

Doing things without... (ohne...zu)
6

Sie postet Fotos auf Instagram, ohne Filter zu benutzen.

She posts photos on Instagram without using filters.

Doing things without... (ohne...zu)
7

Ich gehe in die Küche, um den Kaffee zu kochen.

I'm going to the kitchen to make coffee.

Expressing Purpose: 'In order to' (um...zu)
8

Sie spart das Geld, um die Weltreise zu machen.

She is saving money to go on a trip around the world.

Expressing Purpose: 'In order to' (um...zu)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

The Subject Test

Before writing, ask: 'Who is doing the action?' If it's the same person, use 'um...zu'.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressing Purpose: so that / in order to (damit vs. um...zu)
💡

The Comma Rule

Always place a comma between the 'statt' clause and the main clause. It makes your writing much clearer.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Instead of doing something (statt...zu)
💡

Check the subject

Always ensure the subject of the main clause and the infinitive clause is the same.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Doing things without... (ohne...zu)
💡

The Comma Rule

Always put a comma before 'um'. It helps the reader understand the structure.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressing Purpose: 'In order to' (um...zu)

Key Vocabulary (6)

die Absicht intention statt instead of ohne without der Zweck purpose erledigen to finish/take care of sparen to save

Real-World Preview

plane

Planning a Trip

Review Summary

  • damit + subject + ... + verb
  • um + ... + zu + infinitive
  • statt + ... + zu + infinitive
  • ohne + ... + zu + infinitive

Common Mistakes

You cannot use 'damit' with an infinitive. 'Damit' requires a full clause with a conjugated verb.

Wrong: Ich gehe in den Park, damit zu laufen.
Correct: Ich gehe in den Park, um zu laufen.

You cannot use 'um...zu' when the subject changes. If you are learning so HE learns, you must use 'damit'.

Wrong: Ich lerne, um er Deutsch lernt.
Correct: Ich lerne, damit er Deutsch lernt.

The infinitive clause acts as a position 1 element, so the verb must come immediately after the comma.

Wrong: Statt zu arbeiten, er schläft.
Correct: Statt zu arbeiten, schläft er.

Next Steps

You have mastered a key B1 pillar. Keep practicing, and these structures will become second nature!

Write a diary entry using 5 infinitive constructions.

Continue to: Pronouns and Relative Clauses

Quick Practice (10)

Find the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

Ich gehe um zu kaufen Brot.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich gehe, um Brot zu kaufen.
Verb at the end.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressing Purpose: 'In order to' (um...zu)

Fix the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

Ich arbeite, damit ich verdiene Geld.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich arbeite, damit ich Geld verdiene.
Verb must be at the end.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressing Purpose: so that / in order to (damit vs. um...zu)

Fill in the blank with 'um...zu' or 'damit'.

Ich lerne, ___ die Prüfung ___ bestehen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: um...zu
Same subject, infinitive construction.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressing Purpose: so that / in order to (damit vs. um...zu)

Fill in the blank with the correct form.

Ich gehe, ___ Brot ___ kaufen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: um, zu
The structure is um...zu.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressing Purpose: 'In order to' (um...zu)

Fill in the correct form.

Statt ___ (schlafen), lerne ich.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: zu schlafen
Zu + infinitive at the end.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Instead of doing something (statt...zu)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich gehe, um einzukaufen.
Infinitive with 'zu' is required.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressing Purpose: so that / in order to (damit vs. um...zu)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Statt einzukaufen, gehe ich.
Separable verb syntax.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Instead of doing something (statt...zu)

Find the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

Sie arbeitet, ohne zu anrufen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sie arbeitet, ohne anzurufen.
Separable verb rule.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Doing things without... (ohne...zu)

Fix the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Statt ich zu gehen, bleibe ich.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Statt zu gehen, bleibe ich.
No subject in statt-clause.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Instead of doing something (statt...zu)

Fill in the correct form.

Er geht, ohne ___ (essen).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: zu essen
Standard infinitive construction.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Doing things without... (ohne...zu)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

No, that is grammatically incorrect. You must use 'damit'.
Yes, in the context of purpose. It can also mean 'with that' in other contexts.
Yes, but it requires the Genitive case: 'Statt des Autos nehme ich das Rad'.
Yes, they are synonyms, though 'anstatt' is slightly more formal.
No, you must use a 'dass' clause instead.
It goes between 'ohne' and the 'zu' + infinitive.
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Prepositions, Cases, and N-Declension
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Pronouns and Relative Clauses
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